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Paw Print Genetics announces publication of their investigation of genetic diseases in a rare dog breed known as the Drentsche patrijshond (Drent) or Dutch partridge dog. In collaboration with the Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America, the Spokane-based company studied 13 Drents for 142 different mutations known to occur in domestic dogs. In this study, two mutations were identified: three dogs were carriers for hyperuricosuria, a condition that can cause bladder stone formation and four dogs were carriers for von Willebrand disease, type 1. In addition, three dogs were found to be at-risk for von Willebrand disease, and may have mild to moderate signs of disease including easy bruising, nose bleeds or bleeding after losing their juvenile teeth, and prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma.

The study, published in the current issue of the journal Veterinary Record Case Reports, highlights the need to identify genetic risk factors for rare breeds. Common breeds, such as Labrador retrievers, have many disorders known to occur because popular breeds are investigated more frequently. “Because all breeds are susceptible to genetic disease, rare breeds, such as the Drents, have fewer numbers of available breeding dogs and are therefore more susceptible to inherited conditions simply because of population constraints”, said Lisa G Shaffer, PhD, CEO of Paw Print Genetics and the lead scientist on the study.

“Identifying breed-specific genetic risks is crucial for avoiding these conditions in future generations of our breed”, said Brian O’Connor, President of the Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America, “we can now use this information in our breeding practices to produce healthier dogs in the future.”